Visit the Kyoto Railway museum

A little bit of background

Newly opened in 2016, the Kyoto Railway Museum replaces the former Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum. Here you can find both the oldest and newest in railway technology. Whether you are a rail-fan or looking for a cool family trip, the The Kyoto Railway Museum will be worth your time.

The museum has over 30,000 square feet with 53 trains to marvel at, 3 floors with permanent and changing exhibits, 3 Shinkansen bullet trains and many other iconic trains. You can also drive a train in a simulator course and learn about the inner workings of railway travel, think of pantographs, signalling and railway crossings.

What can I see in the Kyoto Railway Museum?

Below is a series of impressions from the museum, pictures are included!

The 0-Class (Zero) Shinkansen is the first public Shinkansen that started service in 1964. Now retired, you can get a glimpse of times past by boarding this fully preserved train set.

The JR West 500 series Shinkansen.

A retired Raicho limited express train. This train used to travel between Osaka, Kyoto and Kanazawa.

The museum would not be complete without is train restaurant, here you can try a delicious Eki-Bento box.

View on the Umekoji Steam locomotive depot, there are daily steam train rides visible on the right. Taking the steam train costs 300yen for a ride of approximately 10min.

The cutest “train” we saw was this one made of school kids.

From the roof terrace, visitors can view bullet and local trains approaching Kyoto station on the Tokaido line. It’s a great place for train spotters! Note that the the roof terrace may be closed in case of bad weather conditions.

How to get there:

The Kyoto Railway Museum is about 15-20 min on foot from Kyoto station. 12-15min on foot from Tambaguchi station or by local bus services: 86, 88, 103, 104 and 110.

Tickets and opening information

Tickets cost 1,200 yen for an adult, 1000 yen University and high school students, 500yen for elementary school students and 200 yen for children (3 years and older).

There is a 10% discount for JR West Pass holders.

Museum is closed every Wednesday (with the exception of public holidays)